The La Liga champions have been linked with the Citizens hit-man for some time, and were even thought to have been ready to make an offer over the summer.

However, after spending a vast amount to lure Neymar to the Nou Camp, they opted against a deal.

But, manager Tata Martino is thought to have made an orthodox centre-forward his top target over the coming transfer windows, and Aguero is thought to be on his radar.

The Argentine is keen to alter Barca’s ‘strikerless’ set-up, and sees his compatriot as a good option.

Rumours suggest that Messi – who holds much clout at the club – also wants his international team-mate to be signed, opening the door for a move.

City are desperate to keen the man who fired them to the Premier League title in 2011/12, but may face a battle to convince him to stay if interest is serious, with a source close to Aguero claiming that he would jump at the chance to join the Catalan giants.